Autumn skiing

Hi all
I am thinking of trying to grab a few days skiing in France or
Switzerland in late October or November. Does anybody know if the
glacier resorts like Tignes or Les Diablerets are open at that time? I
find it difficult to get specific information from websites. I get the
impression that some glacier resorts have a sort of "closed season" in
the autumn, shutting at the end of summer holidays, and not opening up
again till December.
Any information would be appreciated.

Paul
Leigh
Lancs
UK

"Doc Paul" wrote in message
om...
Hi all
I am thinking of trying to grab a few days skiing in France or
Switzerland in late October or November. Does anybody know if the
glacier resorts like Tignes or Les Diablerets are open at that time? I
find it difficult to get specific information from websites. I get the
impression that some glacier resorts have a sort of "closed season" in
the autumn, shutting at the end of summer holidays, and not opening up
again till December.
Any information would be appreciated.


Les Deux Alpes opens one week, October 25th to November 3rd, during
which time large chunks of the glacier are staked out with slalom runs
by Italian and French (in that order) teams, from local clubs to
national level. The 'Mondial du Surf' also takes place during the first
part of the week, and the 'Mondial du Ski during the latter half. You
can try out the latest equipment, watch various displays/events going on
both on the glacier and down at resort level. Lift opens around 7.30 am,
horrendous queues from 7 to 8 as all the clubs arrive at the same time.

We've always used a local instructor for a couple of hours, you can jump
the queues. Some contacts:

Anne Millet
Fluent English, formerly of French World Cup Team
http://anne.millet.free.fr/
Tel: 06 09 69 87 78

Charlotte Swift
Excellent with beginners and intermediates, one teenage kid I took who'd
hated every lesson (skiing or anything else) he'd ever had, actually
wanted more. www.easiski.com

Dave Morris
Dave runs SnowPro with Pete Hughes, never skied with him myself but have
heard excellent reports. Piste weeks, carving weeks, bumps, lessons for
beginners. www.snowpro.co.uk

Jeremy Edward
Runs the European Ski School, English instructors. Jeremy also owns the
Le Cret Hotel and Secret Bar - a lively and popular après ski haunt,
mainly Brits. Good deals on summer skiing accommodation (when there's
snow, that is)...
www.europeanskischool.co.uk

Always a risk by late October of the Jandri lift to the glacier closing
through high winds/bad weather, but we've been lucky the past few times.

If you value your sleep, don't book accommodation anywhere near the
centre during the 'Mondial du Surf'. The drunken (etc) screaming goes on
'til 5 am. That is, of course, unless you want to join in ;-) During the
Mondial du Ski, it's more civilised.

As for Tignes, I think the glacier is opening again on October 27th.

Pete
www.grasski.org

On 24 Sep 2003 09:23:49 -0700, (Doc Paul) wrote:

Hi all
I am thinking of trying to grab a few days skiing in France or
Switzerland in late October or November. Does anybody know if the
glacier resorts like Tignes or Les Diablerets are open at that time? I
find it difficult to get specific information from websites. I get the
impression that some glacier resorts have a sort of "closed season" in
the autumn, shutting at the end of summer holidays, and not opening up
again till December.
Any information would be appreciated.

Les Diablerets I think are planning to open some slopes up when
there's sufficient snow :-) There's snow falling at altitude so it's
not impossible they'll open in a month or so.

Ian

Les Diablerets I think are planning to open some slopes up when
there's sufficient snow :-) There's snow falling at altitude so it's
not impossible they'll open in a month or so.

Ian



Thanks Ian, Pete - I will keep an eye open in the next few weeks.

Paul

HI

On 24 Sep 2003 09:23:49 -0700, (Doc Paul) wrote:

Hi all
I am thinking of trying to grab a few days skiing in France or
Switzerland in late October or November. Does anybody know if the
glacier resorts like Tignes or Les Diablerets are open at that time? I

Normaly they Start the Winterseason at 1. November. I don't know, if
they open regular at october. But got they enaugh snow they oben
eralier (only Sa +So?)

find it difficult to get specific information from websites. I get the
impression that some glacier resorts have a sort of "closed season" in
the autumn, shutting at the end of summer holidays, and not opening up
again till December.

Saas Fee is shure open till 24. November. After the 24. you have to
use the Felskin Gondola instead the Alpin Express Gondola(3 weeks
maintance Sa+So open) that's all.

Zermatt is also open. 10-13 November is the Gondola to the Little
Matterhorn closed. You have to use the Draglifts.

Johannes